LUCILLE GLOCK

ABOUT MY GRANDMOTHER:

April 21, 1928  -  October 27,2004

Last year we lost my grandmother to a combination of dreadful illnesses which plagued her for many years.  Gram was the cornerstone of our family and really held us all together.  Eight years ago when she lost her husband, we weren't sure how she would handle being on her own, but she came back strong, as always and blossomed into a whole new woman who was able to come into her own, participating in activities and crafts like never before. Her warmth and generosity were relied on by many people and her spirit touched hearts around the world.  In this picture she is shown next to her collection of angels...a fitting one for her to have.  She also loved to sing and would happily bebop along with all types of music, concerts, stage productions, improvising when she didn't know the words. When I began writing Back to the Labyrinth a little over a year ago, Gram was very supportive.  She never seemed to run out of people to brag to about what I was doing and how proud she was of me.  When I lost her I thought I would not find the drive to finish the project she was so supportive of and involved in and for awhile, no words came, but then I realized how much I would insult her if I didn't continue what she and I had started.  Therefore, Back to the Labyrinth goes on and it is filled with her spirit, as I like to believe I am filled with her spirit.

Toward the end of her life, through all the pain and frustration, she was no less pleasant, no less loving, and no less concerned with others above herself.  She wanted to live because she knew the pain it would cause us to be without her.  We wanted her with us, but not at the price of her immense suffering.  There are bonds we make in life tighter and stronger than what holds us to that life and even now when I'm alone, clicking away at the keys of my typewriter or scrawling furiously on a scrap of paper, I can hear her, "Got your nose in that book again.  You better get some sleep."  and if I think about it long enough until I get her face pictured in my mind and the tone of her voice pitch perfect in my

ears, I can imagine her turning to my grandfather and saying,  "Look dad, look at what our honey girl is doing.  She'll make something of that one day."  Then I know that no matter how silly my pursuits seem, whether I'm writing to evoke laughter or tears, for myself or for others.  I am doing what they always knew I was meant to do, what they have always encouraged in me from my first poem.

INFORMATIONAL LINKS:

American Cancer Society American Diabetes Association Congestive Heart Failure Angina Kidney Dialysis Foundation Pulmonary Hypertension

I love and miss you both more than words can express. Peace and love to you both always.